Three men sentenced to a total of 47 years following Bedfordshire knife attack
It's in relation to an incident in May 2020
Last updated 30th Jun 2021
The three men were sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday (29/6) after they were found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent.
David Walpole, 41, of Recreation Road, Houghton Regis was sentenced to 18 years, Grant Melia, 41, of Southwood Road, Dunstable received 15 years ,and Micah Stoute, 25, of Knights Field, Luton received 14 years.
It's in relation to an incident on the 7th May 2020, when police were called to Hammersmith Gardens following reports of a man being attacked with a machete-like knife.
Warpole was captured on CCTV arguing with a stranger, and being aggressive, before he left the area. A short while later, he returned with Stoute and Melia, and the three men carried out the attack.
The victim received life-changing injuries affecting his arm and jaw.
Detective Constable Daniel Matcham said:
“Warpole acted out of rage and was supported by Stoute and Melia. They had no regard for the impact their actions would have on the victim physically and mentally, and they intended to cause harm.
“Knife crime and use of other weapons is a serious offence, and the victim was fortunate to survive this horrific attack.
“He was left with significant impact from his injuries, and will live with the pain of this malicious, unprovoked attack.”
In a victim statement, he said:
“One of the things that saddens me the most is that I can no longer interact with my two young children like I used to.
“It never occurred to me how much of an impact these things would have on my life. I no longer feel safe living at my home.”
For information and support on knife crime please visit the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit's website.